I watched the movie "Trembling Before G-D" by by Sandi Simcha Dubowski. The movie was thoughtfully done, and I feel beautifully made.
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The film was called on to be boycotted due to it's controversial nature. I like to make my own mind on something though.
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The movie is about those struggling to reconcile their homosexuality with their faith. I believe that the movie does well in trying to show all sides of this issue in an non-judgmental light.
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I like, and agree with, some of what several Rabbi's had to say in the movie concerning this issue.
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Disc two/Special Features - I didn't really care for most of what was in disc two, and feel it mostly proselytizes. I think it took away from the beauty of the film, and was mostly unnecessary - and the embarrassing of the grandmother irritated me.
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The movie did not change my view on this issue, but I think it went a long way to encourage understanding.
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From a Christian - biblical standpoint I agree with most of the Rabbi's and their point of view from the conservative standpoint. . .
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Except for one thing -
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One thing I noticed was that there was absolutely no mention about Satan and his/demonic influence - or as a possible reason - in regards to homosexuality.
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Satan is known in Christianity. He is also known of in Islam. In Buddhism, Mara is the demon who tempted Gautama Buddha. I am doing a bit of reading up on where demons fit into Jewish teaching, and their understanding of Satan/demons.
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It says in the New Testament that they had an understanding of demons (Satan/Beelzebub) back in Jesus' day. Jesus was accused of having a devil all the time. (Or of being an apostate of Satan)
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Did that change somewhere along the line?
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I checked on the Judaism 101 site, and there wasn't any listing for Satan, demons or Beelzebub.
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Why is that?
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It would be difficult to try and explain something that is rooted in subtle confusion stemming from the demonic if the demonic is not understood, taught or denied.
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Note: I have learned since I had posted this in discussion with others that it would depend on whom you spoke with concerning the topic of Satan/demons in the Jewish faith. The Torah - first 5 books of the Bible - does not give a clear picture of Satan I've been told. I have heard an interesting view expressed by several people I have spoken to concerning Satan - which does not agree with Christian teaching in the New Testament concerning demons/Satan. [which explains to me why this topic was possibly not touched on in the film.]
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It still does not help the person who is influenced in this way. A person cannot help how they feel or how they believe that they really are. It doesn't make it any less difficult for them.
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I also believe that the Lord does allow tests and challenges for our ultimate development and good. [demons/Satan do fit into that as far as tests, challenges or correction.]
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Homosexuality was presented in the movie basically as a carnal - biological - thing.
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It is also presented from the standpoint that a person cannot change their way as far as homosexuality.
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On this assertion I don't agree.
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I believe that a person does have control over their choices and life path - how they choose to live their life. They can choose how the path of their life goes. People are not 'black and white' like that in simply being slaves to their carnal/fleshly bodies - unless they choose to. A person does have the control over what happens to their bodies, and how they choose to act on impulses. A person is capable of gaining a discipline over their body, and what they choose to do with it.
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Is it easy to do - no.
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A person either wants to believe in what sacred scripture says or they don't really want to. A person can decide to either live a worldly lifestyle or decide to live a righteous one.
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The bible says how this was a problem - and speaks of many other problems - right from the beginning.
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The movie is worthwhile as well as controversial.
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Sites of interest:
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1. NARTH
http://www.narth.com/index.html
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2. The Mother of the Homosexual Movement - Evelyn Hooker PhD
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3. People Can Change
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- Updated 06.05.09